The Office of Undergraduate Education has appointed Captain Dan Arensmeyer as commanding officer and professor of naval science at Rensselaer. Arensmeyer comes to Rensselaer after serving as the deputy commander and director of submarine special operations for U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command at Task Force 69 in Naples, Italy.

In his role in Rensselaer’s Navy Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (NROTC) program, Arensmeyer will supervise the ethical, professional, and military development of Rensselaer NROTC students to ensure that they are prepared and qualified for commission as officers in the Navy and Marine Corps. He will also serve as a liaison between campus and community organizations, military groups, veteran organizations, active and reserve military commands, and other groups or organizations having an interest in naval science.

Born in Choteau, Mont., Arensmeyer graduated with honors from the U.S. Naval Academy with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. Arensmeyer’s 23-year career in the Navy has taken him around the world.
Following initial nuclear power training in Orlando, Fla., and Idaho Falls, Idaho. Arensmeyer attended the Submarine Officer Basic Course in Groton, Conn. He reported to his first ship, the USS Alaska, in 1991. In 1994, Arensmeyer transferred to the Naval Submarine Training Center in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for instructor duty, and served as the director of the submarine tactics department.

In furthering his career experience, in 1997 Arensmeyer completed the Submarine Officer Advanced Course in Groton, Conn., and later reported to the USS Cheyenne to serve as an engineer officer. During this time, he completed Post-Shakedown Availability in Newport News, Va., a change of homeport to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and also served one deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. Following his department head tour, Arensmeyer reported to the Pacific Fleet Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board, where he served as a junior board member.

From 2002 to 2004, he served as the executive officer aboard the USS Toledo, and completed two Mediterranean Sea deployments, one of which was a short-notice deployment in support of Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missile strikes associated with Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In recognition of his contributions to the Navy, he received the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medal awards, and various other personal and unit awards.